Orioles claim INF Zelous Wheeler off waivers

The Orioles today announced that they have claimed INF ZELOUS WHEELER off of waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk.

Wheeler, 25, is a career .271/.371/.408 hitter in 538 minor league games over five seasons. He spent last season with Double-A Huntsville (65 games) and Triple-A Nashville (17 games), hitting a combined .272/.378/.459 with 33 extra-base hits in 329 at-bats.

Wheeler was originally drafted by Milwaukee in the 19th round of the 2007 draft out of Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, AL.

To make room for Wheeler on the 40-man roster, LHP DANA EVELAND was designated for assignment.